The Transformation Of Women In America After World War II

The changing roles of women throughout history has been drastic, and none more so than the period during and after World War II. The irrevocable changes that occurred once the war started and women went to work were unprecedented.

Throughout, the history of the United States, there has been many different events that helped change and shape the America known today. One particular event that has had a great significance was the Second World War. The war came as a salvation to the United States because it helped liberate it from the Great Depression. However, one gender population, during this time, had the opportunity to demonstrate their potential. This gender population was women. WWII was not only a life changing event for all men in America, but also for women because it would become the first time in history when they begin to break the stereotypes between gender roles.

Due to the successfulness of World War II, Americas society underwent superb economic and social growth. Between the years of 1939 through 1965, a change was seen within minorities, women's status, and the middle class lifestyle; subsequently, resulting in an all around better life for the citizens of America prior to World War II. As a result of the war, people were now open to segregation, women were a part of the workforce, and the possibility of owning your own house was more probable than ever. One might argue that the changes seen after World War II were not superior --due to reluctant fears for growth and change in America--; however, the changes seen after World War II were inevitable acts that helped shape The America now seen in 2016.

During World War II, Hollywood films strongly influenced the roles American women played, both while men were away and directly after they returned. These films often sent the message that while their men were away, women must be romantically loyal and keep a secure home for the men to return to. The films also often encouraged women to do their patriotic duty and their part in the war effort by doing war work.

War is often a time of bloody battles and numerous casualties; on both sides of the playing field. World War II was one of the bloodiest wars in history; it not only involved the mass genocide of a specific group of people, but it also brought on major changes in America. As a result of the war, many opportunities would open up for women in the work force. When the men were off fighting the war, there was a need for employees to take over the jobs that the men had to do. The emergence of women in the work field served as a catalyst for major events that would take place later on, like the Civil Rights Movement. The idea of “what it means to be a woman” in American society was put to the test, and throughout the war, women would have to constantly fight for their place in society; and the work force. The question arises, “was World War II a good war?” The previously stated question can be answered in a number of ways; race and ethnicity often had a hand in what jobs women could do, and social class also had an impact on what job position women had and how much money they would earn. To best answer the question, “was World War II a good war”; the different experiences of; African American, Japanese, and White women need to be analyzed in order to better understand whether World War II was a “good war”.

The impact that World War Two had on America, and its economy, was great (Brinkley, pg. 633). The war took place during a time in American history that many look at as one of the toughest it had ever had been through. The war itself was problematic in many ways, but just like many situations in history, it had positive effects as well.

In the 1940s women were called upon to help the war effort and support their “boys overseas” by stepping into factory jobs, signing up as nurses, and assisting in any way they could. Women enjoyed some of their greatest independence in these years as they did their part to support their country. The end of World War II brought many changes to the American people and women in particular. As men returned home from war women were forced back out of the workplaces they had only recently occupied, to return to the home. Not everyone had a positive view of the newfound independence of the American woman as author Arnold Green scripted in a 1956 sociology video:

While World War II is often remembered as a dark time in American history, many events and ideas of the time were important and powerful catalysts for social change. Women’s roles in the work force challenged gender roles, racial tensions and inequality, specifically in terms of African Americans, were called out, and politically fueled information spread through mass media and influenced American thought. These three factors best illustrate the way WWII acted as a catalyst for social change because they set the tone for the future of American society, and still largely play into history being made today.

World War II was the catalyst that changed the opportunities available to women and eventually the way they were regarded as a viable workforce. Suddenly women throughout the United States were pushing themselves to their limits to support the war effort. Women were fulfilling jobs and responsibilities that many previously believed to be impossible for their gender. Opportunities were opened in steel plants, ammunition factories, and even the United States military. As the war progressed the number of male workers declined dramatically. Society had no choice but to turn to the mothers, sisters, and daughters of our nation for help. The results for each woman varied

During the World War 2, women defeated society’s stereotypes by working in professional and hard labor jobs while the men were away winning the war. As the men returned from war, majority of women returned home to face society’s standards and gender roles. Women were expected to be at home mothers that were practically slaves to their family and their appearance in society. Women were expected to be the perfect wife, having the perfect appearance, and have the ideal social life.

Before World War II women worked at home and took care of the children, cooked for the family, cleaned the house, and sewed clothes. During World War II that all changed tremendously. Since all the men were sent to war, women had to fill in many jobs that men once worked for. This had a huge impact on women’s role in society (Seattle General Strike). Some of the

During WW2 the presence of men at home was to a bare minimum. The impact this had on women was felt throughout the nation. How women would be looked at would be changed forever. They had to uphold various positions that were usually held by men and reevaluate their roles as homemakers. Their lives at home had changed; they were no longer the primary care giver. They also joined different parts of the military. Due to men being away at war during WW2 women were forced to participate in the workforce, which would change their view of their position in society.

Before World war 1, the women's place was in the home. Her job was to

The Effect of World War II on American Women America entered the 2nd World War in December 1940 after the Japanese Air force attacked American war ships at Pearl Harbour in Hawaii. They fought alongside Britain and France against Nazi Germany and her allies. Although many American soldiers were injured and killed in the war, the impact on Americans back home was generally positive, as the US was too far away from Europe to suffer from bombing etc. America was far better off than it had been before.

Life was immensely different for Americans after the war started. Firstly, women’s lives were noticeably impacted. A remarkable number of women went to work and participated in volunteerism, as six million joined the workforce and three million served as Red Cross volunteers. “Rosie the Riveter” adapted to be a catch phrase representing women in the workforce as a result of this. Additionally, Japanese Americans’ lives were changed enormously, specifically after the attack on Pearl Harbor. All of the Japanese Americans, even born in the United States and without a charge of crime, were sent to Japanese Internment Camps. Furthermore, the draft/Selective Service Act altered men’s lives greatly. The draft separated families, some forever. Lastly,